San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



OSCAR C. POPE.
 
        Born on a ranch near Lodi, September 20, 1885, Oscar C. Pope, coroner of 
San Joaquin County, has experienced the satisfaction and rewards of one who has 
grown with his state. His parents, Robert and Laura (Wallace) Pope, also were 
natives of California, of sturdy pioneer stock. They and their forbears had 
crossed the plains behind ox teams when comforts were few and dangers many.
        Oscar C. Pope obtained his educational training in the Lodi grammar and 
high schools, then added to it at the Western School of Commerce in Stockton. In 
1905 he began to learn the undertaking profession, being associated for thirteen 
years with one of Stockton's pioneer morticians, B. C. Wallace. In 1918 the firm 
of Pope & Smith was organized, Mr. Pope taking Andrew H. Smith as his partner. 
Their funeral parlors are at 445 North California Street. Here, in a two-story 
building, every needed feature is at hand. Modern in the strictest sense, with 
two lady attendants and a beautiful chapel, it is regarded as a most modern 
establishment and in less than four years' time has won the reputation of 
handling most of the mortuary business in Stockton.
        Mr. Pope was persuaded in the fall election of 1918 to become a 
candidate for coroner and the electorate gave its verdict with 2,000 majority 
for him. He is a Republican, and his connection with six fraternities has 
widened his large circle of friends. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge No 68, 
F. & A. M., the Scottish Rite Consistory and Aahmes Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., 
Oakland; has passed through all the chairs of Odd Fellowship in Charity Lodge 
No. 6, is a member of the Stockton Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E., the Knights of 
Pythias, and Stockton Parlor, N. S. G. W. Mrs. Pope, to whom he was married June 
6, 1912, was Miss Alma White, a native of Stockton, the daughter of William 
White, pioneer Southern Pacific engineer, who saw service in the Civil War. Mr. 
and Mrs. Pope have one son, Robert W.
 
History of San Joaquin County, California � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p  744        
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.